A neuroscience project using technology researched at the University of St Andrews for a deterrent for marine mammals has been awarded a grant from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)’s Ocean Stewardship Fund (OSF).
The OSF fund is providing £1.65 million to fisheries, NGOs, researchers, and scientists working to promote sustainable fishing and marine wildlife protection globally. Eighty-five projects around the world have received funding to advance sustainable fishing practices.
Among the projects, a Namibian hake trawl and longline fishery, has received funding to work with scientists and engineers to deploy the use of Targeted Acoustic Startle Technology, to minimise potentially harmful interactions by Cape fur seals with fishing gear.
Rooted in neuroscience, the technology emits a low range frequency to deter seals from approaching fishing gear, without damaging the hearing of the animal or other species in the area. As well as mitigating interactions with Cape fur seals during the Namibian fishery’s operations, the research hopes to gain valuable insights for other fisheries facing similar challenges with fur seal interactions.
Dr Thomas Götz, who has researched the technology at the University of St Andrews, said: “For some top predators, particularly certain marine mammal species, bycatch and gear entanglement in fisheries is hugely impactful.
“This technology could offer a sustainable solution to long standing human-wildlife conflicts and help balance human need for food and livelihoods with wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.”
Other projects supported by the OSF this year include research into the development of an ecosystem management approach for Iberian Sardines, a long-term study into the population dynamics of California Market Squid and improvements in detailing incidental capture of sharks in the Indian Ocean.
Since its creation in 2019, MSC’s Ocean Stewardship Fund has awarded over £6.6 million to support over 200 fisheries and projects worldwide, including almost 90 in developing economies.
For the sixth year running, the MSC is committing 5% of annual royalties from sales of products carrying the MSC ecolabel to the OSF. Only catch from fisheries certified as sustainable according the MSC ‘s rigorous Fisheries Standard is eligible to be sold with the blue ecolabel.
Strategic contributions from philanthropic partners and mission aligned businesses also play a vital role in accelerating progress in sustainable fishing globally. This year, over thirty fisheries across Mexico, Peru, Chile, China, Indonesia, South Africa, India and Southern Europe are receiving support from such partners (via the OSF) to support their transition towards sustainable management.
Rupert Howes, Chief Executive of the Marine Stewardship Council said: “Congratulations to all recipients of the 2025 Ocean Stewardship Fund. Our vision is of an ocean teeming with life, and achieving this requires strong partnerships that drive innovation and deliver improvements at scale. These awards highlight the power of collaboration — from scientists and fishers testing inventive solutions, to environmental and intergovernmental organisations working alongside fishers to implement large-scale changes in management practices. We’re proud that the OSF can help support these transformative partnerships.”